Calcaneal Spur (Heel Spur)

Calcaneal Spur (Heel Spur)

A calcaneal spur is a bony spur projecting from the
back or underside of the heel bone (the calcaneus) that often makes walking
painful. A calcaneal spur is also called a heel spur. Spurs at the back
of the heel are associated with inflammation of the Achilles tendon (Achilles
tendinitis) and cause tenderness and pain at the back of the heel that is
made worse by pushing off the ball of the foot. Spurs under the sole (plantar
area) are associated with inflammation of the plantar fascia (the
“bowstring-like” tissue stretching from the heel underneath the sole)
and cause localized tenderness and pain made worse by stepping down on the heel.
Not all heel spurs cause symptoms. Some are discovered on X-rays taken for other
purposes. Heel spurs and plantar fasciitis can occur alone or be related to
underlying diseases which cause arthritis (inflammation of the joints) such
as Reiter’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and diffuse idiopathic skeletal
hyperostosis.